PhD thesis offer (M/F) : Polymer-based periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles for enhanced biological compatibility of implantable materials and encapsulation of nucleic acid-based therapeutics

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Context: The use of orthopeadic implants is widespread these days due to the aging population, the increase in osteoporosis related fractures, the rise in obesity, and sports related injuries. In response to these growing needs, titanium (Ti) and its alloys are materials of choice for orthopaedic applications because of their biocompatibility, anticorrosion, and mechanical properties.(1-3) However, implant-associated infection remains one of the most serious complications, leading to destruction of local tissues, patient disability and morbidity, and even death.(4) More advanced materials for implant surface coatings are therefore needed. To this aim, the ANR-funded PIANOLA project proposes to develop new hybrid polymer-based nanoparticules for implant surface coatings. This work is the result of a collaboration between ICGM (expert in polymer chemistry and periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanoparticles), INTHERNA (Inserm – Orléans, specialist in the development and delivery of RNA therapeutics), and CB3S (Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, expert in biomaterials science).

Objectives: The aim of this thesis is to develop hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) based on PMO(5,6) with polymers integrated into their structure. Controlled radical polymerizations will be used to synthesize polymer structures(7-9) bearing strategically selected functional groups, which will both meet the requirement of the targeted application and enable the successful fabrication of the polymer-based PMO NPs. These NPs will be designed to encapsulate biomolecules that promote cell growth, and will subsequently be deposited as a thin film onto Ti-based implant to enhance its biocompatibility. Toxicity and aging studies of these NPs will be conducted to assess their suitability for biological applications.



References
1. M. Niinomi Mechanical biocompatibilities of titanium alloys for biomedical applications. J. Mech. Behav. Biomed. Mater. 2008, 1, 30–42.
2. M. Niinomi Recent metallic materials for biomedical applications. Metall. Mater. Trans. A 2002, 33, 477.
3. M. Long et al. Titanium alloys in total joint replacement—a materials science perspective. Biomaterials 1998, 19, 1621–1639.
4. R. O. Darouiche Treatment of Infections Associated with Surgical Implants. N. Engl. J. Med. 2004, 350, 1422–1429.
5. H. Li et al. Preparation and characterization of novel mixed periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles. Materials 2020, 13, 1569.
6. H. Li et al. Periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with BOC group, towards HIFU responsive agents. Molecules 2020, 25, 974.
7. A. Ruiu et al. Synthesis and phase behavior of a platformof CO2-soluble functional gradient copolymers bearing metal-complexing units. Polymers 2022, 14, 2698.
8. D. Rayeroux et al. Tunable amphiphilic graft copolymers bearing fatty chains and polyoxazoline: synthesis and self-assembly behavior in solution. Polym. Chem. 2017, 8, 4246–4263.
9. C. Bouilhac et al. Synthesis of fatty phosphonic acid based polymethacrylamide by RAFT polymerization and self-assembly in solution. Polym. Chem. 2014, 5, 2756.

Your Work Environment

Candidate profile: The candidate must hold a Master degree (or equivalent) in polymer chemistry, as well as have solid knowledge and experience in organic chemistry and in polymer physico-chemical characterization. Experience in nanoparticle synthesis and characterization will be highly valued. Very good communication skills (English required), strong motivation, curiosity, and high autonomy are essential. An interest in biomaterials and biology will also be an asset.

Host laboratory: The thesis will be carried out at the Charles Gerhardt Institute of Montpellier – ICGM (1919 route de Mende, 34090 Montpellier, France), specifically within Departments of D2 (Macromolecular Chemistry and Materials) and D1 (Chemistry & Molecular Materials). The doctoral student will also collaborate with INTERNA (Inserm – Orléans) and CB3S (Univeristé Sorbonne Paris Nord).

Supervisors:
Supervisor: Dr. Clarence Charnay, ICGM, Department D1.
Co-supervisor: Dr. Cécile Bouilhac, ICGM, Department D2.
Co-supervisor: Dr. Patrick Lacroix-Desmazes, Department D2.
Doctoral School: EDSCB

Application : Submit your CV, cover letter, scores from the last five years (Bachelor & Master degrees) and at least two contacts and/or letters of recommendation on the CNRS Careers Portal.

The position is located in a sector falling under the Protection of the Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST) regulations. Therefore, in accordance with regulatory requirements, your appointment is subject to prior authorization by the competent authority of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

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